Social Sciences/History Department

Faculty Members:

Jeanne Cissne, Department Chair
Nic Kelly
Sr. Rita Krusell

The purpose of the study of history is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the past.  It is hoped that students will gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will give them the ability to better understand the world in which they live.  A study of history and the social sciences is necessary in order that students develop and take an active role as citizens who are prepared to live in an ever-changing and complex society.  The following curriculum provides students with a framework of knowledge relating to the events that shaped humanity, as well as the development of economic, political, and social institutions.

1900/01 Foundations of United States History - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Foundations of United States History focuses on teaching skills necessary for school success while exploring the history of the United States.  The first semester of United States History is a survey of the development of the nation from early exploration through the emergence of the United States as an industrialized nation in the latter 1800's.  The second semester of the Foundations of United States History is a survey of 20th century America.  At the same time, students will practice and refine social science skills, writing skills, note taking, study habits, test taking, and reading skills.  By the end of the course, students will better understand the nation in which they live and be better prepared to succeed in school.  Recommended for students previously enrolled in World Cultures.  Registration/assingment to the class is done by the Social Science/History department personnel. 
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1902/03 World History - Grades 9 & 10 - 1.0 credit (Required)
World History traces the development of history from the beginning of time through the emergence of nations continuing with the period of exploration and the development of the modern nation - states and societies throughout the world to the present time.  The goal is to develop an understanding of the events that have shaped the growth of civilizations, as well as to develop an appreciation of various cultures and their unique contributions to the world.  Emphasis is placed on the history, geography, government, art, religion, and other distinctive accomplishments of each area studied during the year.  Stress is placed on those persons, ideas and events which have helped to shape the modern world.  In addition to the development of Western Civilization, the cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Americas are also surveyed.
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1904/05 Foundations of World History - Grades 9 & 10 - 1.0 credit
Alternate requirement to World History; students are assigned to the class.
Foundations of World History focuses on teaching skills necessary to school success while exploring ancient civilizations, medieval, and early modern times. Students will investigate the history, geography, and society/culture of these areas. Current events are also incorporated into the course. At the same time, students will practice and refine social science skills, writing skills, note-taking, study habits, test taking, and reading skills. By the end of the course, students will understand the world in which they live and be better prepared to succeed in school.
Registration/assignments to the class is done by the Social Science/History Department personnel.
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1906/07 Advanced Placement American Studies - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: A "B" average in History/Social Science courses and signatures of recommendation by previous history teachers and department approval plus overall "B" average.  Enrollment in Honors English 2 and department approval. 
Limit: 25 students enrolled.
American Studies is an academically demanding course, team-taught by members of the History and English departments.  It seeks to promote an understanding of the connections between American History and American Literature, and to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement test in United States History.  The course is a chronological survey, beginning with the Native American cultures and continuing through the early years of the 21st century.  There is some integration of philosophical movements and the humanities.  Wide ranging class activities include debates, intensive projects and papers require that students do a great deal of independent study.
This is a two-semester course, which spans two periods daily.  It fulfills the English 3 requirements and two semesters of United States History.  Students taking this course are strongly urged to take the Honors American Government course senior year to fulfill the three-semester U.S. History/Government requirement.
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1908/09 United States History - Grade 11 - 1.0 credit (Required)
The first semester of U.S. History is a general survey of the development of this country from the early exploration to the emergence of the United States as an industrial nation in the latter 1800's.  This semester will take the student through colonization, independence and the early models of the American system.  It continues through the period of Nationalism, Sectionalism, the era of Manifest Destiny and into the conflict of the Civil War.  After the period of Reconstruction, the period concludes with the emergence of the United States as an industrial power as it faces the question of Imperalism. 
The second semester of United States History is a survey of 20th century America.  Initially, study is directed toward understanding the United States as it becomes a world power and particularly emphasizes the importance of the presidency (office) in the American governmental system.  Further study focuses on the country's role during the World Wars and the "boom times to hard times" in between those years.  The postwar period stressed the Cold War and the domestic situations during the "crucial decade" of the 1950's and the turbulent 1960's.  Studies of more recent administrations, from Nixon to Bush, pose a final question regarding what role the United States should/will play in the 21st century.  Students are required to take the American Government course senior year to fulfill the three-semester U.S. History/Government requirement.
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1910 American Government - Grade 12 - 0.5 credit (Required)
American Government is a senior level survey course.  The main focus is the federal government, its democratic principles, Constitutional foundations, structures, and current issues on the public agenda.  Attention is also directed toward political socialization, voter behavior, and the role of the media in American politics.  Wisconsin state and local government are likewise part of this curriculum.  This goal of this course is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, inquiring, and participating citizens.
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1911 AP American Government - Grade 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Students may take this as the American Government requirement if they have an overall "B" average and signature of the history department chairperson.  Limit: 25 students enrolled.
This one-semester course is intended to help students become informed and participating citizens.  The content will explore the principles and ideals that underlie the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the federal system of government, and government at the state and local levels.  Students will study and experience the ways in which government is organized, the ways in which it is controlled by the people, policy making and current political issues.  Preparation for the College Board Government exam is included.  
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1912 Crime and Justice - Grades 11 & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Crime and Justice is a one-semester course that provides an extensive examiniation of the American criminal justice system from the meaning of justice in an ordered society to current dilemmas thrust upon this system.  Students will study issues such as crime prevention, crime trends, civil rights, victim's rights, law enforcement procedures and agencies, the criminal code, the trial system, corrections, juvenille crime and the death penalty.  Students will study these issues using numerous methods including examination of current events, discussion, guest speakers and mock trials.  Students will gain new insights into the reasons for crime in our society as well as how we will attempt to deal with crime in the future.  
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1913 Psychology - Grades 11 & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
This course, which will provide college-bound students with background for Psychology 101, aims to increase student awareness and facilitates personal growth and maturity.  Topics stressed are principles of learning, intelligence, emotions, personality and motivation.  Social behavior is studied with emphasis on mental health, mental illness, defense mechanisms and coping skills.
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1914 Modern American Issues - Grades 11 & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Focusing on the years of 1945 to the present, the class will confront the effects of United States policy making in the 1950's, 1960's and onward, and how the aftershocks are still felt today throughout the world.  Students will debate the importance, wisdom, and other aspects of policy making in regards to foreign countries.  In addition to United States foreign policy, the class will also consider United States domestic policy and how these policies shaped our world.  Critical issues confronting the nation and the world are introduced in order to develop awareness and understanding of both foreign and domestic policy concerns.  The students will examine the issues, forecast the future of each issue, and debate pros/cons on various proposed policies.  The history and issues examined relate to such concerns as education, the enviornment, the economy, immigration, defense, poverty, international trade, terrorism, human rights and democracy, and the problems that face particular geographic areas.  Documentaries, newspapers, books, magazines, political cartoons, Internet sites and so forth will be used to help facilitate the learning process.
Modern American Issues is taught in alternate school years with Sociology.  It will next be offered in 2010-11.
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1915 Sociology - Grades 11 & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Sociology is a systematic study of development, structure, interaction and collective behavior of groups.  Topics studied include family, prejudice, media, group behavior, and other social problems.  Both the science of sociology and practical application is studied.  The course is valuable for students contemplating creative careers in social work, public relations and the health professions.
Sociology is taught in alternate years, rotating with Modern American Issues.  Sociology will be offered in 2009-2010.
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1916 Foundations of American Government - Grade 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Alternate requirement to American Government.  Students are assigned to this class.
Foundations of American Government is a one-semester, senior course which is designed for students who have completed Foundations of American History and for others who are recommended by their teachers.  The curriculum explores the Federal Government, its constitutional foundations, structures, and governing procedures.  Attention is also focused on state government and current issues.  Reading and comprehension skills are addressed.  By the end of this program, students will have been introduced to the essential elements of our American democracy and to the importance of being an informed, contributing citizen.
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